By Lizzie Weakley

Every business needs effective customer service and you can do some small things to show your customers your appreciation. Even little gestures can make a big difference, and going the extra mile for your customers will help your business retain its clientele for the long term. These four small touches will let your customers know that you care.

Acknowledge them by name

Using first names or formal titles when addressing your customers can offer each person a more personalized experience. Customers will also be impressed if you remember their names each time that you see them. Remembering names shows your customers that you see them as people and not as numbers. If you have difficulty remembering people’s names, you should use customers’ names repeatedly when speaking to them and try word-association techniques to remember them better.

Have trainings with your sales or PR employees on building relationships with customers and teach them exercises for remembering names. If your business is particularly small, consider simply attending such trainings yourself with your team.

Offer discounts or other perks

Another great way to show your customers you care is by offering them discounts on products or services or other perks such as free samples. You can try offering these discounts or perks to first-time or loyal customers. Providing these special offers will help you retain business and may entice customers to purchase more expensive products or services in the future that can help boost your business’s profits.

You can also partner with podcasters or influencers to offer discount codes. This kind of specialized marketing can help you reach people who are especially interested in your product.

Make waiting more pleasant

If your customers have to wait for services to be completed, you can make their wait times more enjoyable by providing them with a lounge in your business that features a TV and also offers free snacks, beverages and Wi-Fi internet. If you need to place customers on hold while taking calls, Cisco hold music can be played through the phone to alleviate some of the boredom and monotony of waiting. These are specific suggestions, but maintaining an attitude of respect for your customer’s time can be a great assist to your business.

Request feedback

Allowing your customers to share their honest feedback will make them feel like their voices will be heard. You can send an online survey to each customer that includes star ratings in all areas of service along with comments sections so that your customers can elaborate more on their opinions. If you receive any poor reviews, try to touch base with the dissatisfied customers to find out how you can possibly make their situations right. This feedback can help you improve and grow your business, as long as you are open to it.

Making even just a few simple modifications in how you interact with your customers can give people a better impression of your business. The right additions to your customers’ experiences will surely yield great results.

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Lizzie Weakley is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.